RESOURCES/FIRST NATIONS IN THE KAWARTHAS

How can we learn about the First Nations in whose territories we are living? How can we create opportunities for cross-cultural sharing, learning and projects? What is correct protocol with First Nations, and how can we develop better intercultural competency skills? What is Allyship? What can we do as individuals to deconstruct the colonization in ourselves and others? How can we create a better Settler/First Nations relationship through healing and reconciliation?

Wherever I go in the Peterborough and Kawartha community, I continue to hear inquiries and requests such as these from my white cohort, so I have compiled a set of resources for our particular learning journey.

This is just one version of the First Nations territory acknowledgement that can be announced at events, learning spaces and other gatherings in Peterborough and the Kawarthas ~"We acknowledge that we are living on the traditional territory of the Mississauga Ojibway, stand in solidarity with First Nations land claim processes, support First Nations sovereignty and cultural recovery efforts, and respect the traditional values of the Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations.”

For a description of the traditional homelands of the Michi Saagig Nishnaabeg click>HERE<to access "Nogojiwanong: The Place at the Foot of the Rapids" by Sustainable Trent.

“We are the ones we have been waiting for.” (Erroneously attributed to “Hopi Elders” by New Agers, this clever phase is originally from a 1978 poem by civil rights activist June Jordan, and was recently popularized by Alice Walker in her bookWe are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For: Inner Light in a Time of Darkness, The New Press, 2006)

“Each of us is put here in this time and this place to personally decide the future of humankind. Did you think the Creator would create unnecessary people in a time of such terrible danger? Know that you yourself are essential to this World.” (Chief Arvol Looking Horse , Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe,Native American Encyclopedia on Facebook, May 24, 2012)

Here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas we are extremely fortunate to live in close proximity to four First Nations, the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and the Métis of Burleigh Falls (as well as Scugog Island First Nation). These First Nations maintain websites, and offer a full calendar of events, talks and community happenings which are often open to the public. Williams Treaties First Nationswww.williamstreatiesfirstnations.caCurve Lake First Nationwww.curvelakefirstnation.caHiawartha First Nationwww.hiawathafirstnation.comAlderville First Nation www.aldervillefirstnation.ca